Exploring the Common Causes of Hard Disk Failure
It’s always difficult having to deal with a failed drive, and knowing the causes of hard disk failure may help you avoid one. If you don’t know what may be bringing about the ticking noises that you get from your hard drive, chances are you will be rushing to backup your data when it starts up again. And while its always a good idea to take advantages of the services of the best online backup systems, an online “hard drive” is no replacement for a real one. Dealing with a dying hard drive can be stressful especially when you have a lot of files in it, so knowing the causes of one and how to prevent it can help you keep your data safe from potential loss.
Probably the single biggest cause of hard drive failure is physical trauma. Hard drives are extremely delicate, the pieces inside are built with only a micron of space between them. It doesn’t take much to cause a scratch or other damage. Some computers are under the desk where they are constantly bumped and kicked. Others sit right next to loud subwoofers which may cause vibrations. Still others, and almost everyone has done this, get smacked a few times by frustrated users. Make sure your computer is kept in a safe place where it doesn’t have to endure these physical abuses. And remember that hitting your computer will only make problems worse.
Another major reason for hard drive failure is overheating. With the advancement of technology, computers nowadays can do a lot of things but in turn, they also tend to generate a lot of heat. Overheating can be addressed by making adjustment to your computer settings or turning up the unit’s fans. However with some of them, the problem lies in the computer layout. If you own or plan to get a pre-built computer, this is a non-issue but if you are assembling your own unit, there are things you have to remember. Install the fans in a way that maximizes airflow. As a rule, fans should release hot air on the top part and bring in cool air at the lower portion. Extreme heat not only damages the hard drive but also the other parts of your PC.
One easily prevented problem is an electrical surge. Getting a surge protector for all of your computer’s plugs is crucial. It cannot be stressed enough that you should never plug your computer directly into the wall. Even a small electrical surge can cause a computer to short out entirely. Not only could it kill the hard drive, but every other component is at risk. And make sure that your surge protector is tough enough to protect against a big surge. If it can’t protect your computer adequately, it serves no purpose.
There are countless reasons that a hard drive can fail. These are just three of those reasons, but they are among the most common. If you take care of your drive, you shouldn’t have to worry about that strange noise that you get when your hard drive plays its death knell. By listening to your hard drive and taking care of it properly, you can extend its life indefinitely.
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